Abstract: A vending-tote adapted to be moved by a lift-robot across a shelving-unit to rendezvous with a second tote carried by a second robot, the vending-tote comprising: a container designed to contain a plurality of items; and a dispensing mechanism integrated within the container, wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured to be activated by the lift-robot, the second robot, or both for dispensing at least one item of the plurality of items into the second tote.

Abstract: A system in a vehicle includes a camera configured to capture images proximate the vehicle. The system also includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a remote server and a processor in communication with the camera and the transceiver. The processor is programmed to send a request to the camera to take one or more images of the delivery driver in response to a location of the delivery driver within a threshold distance from the vehicle, send one or more images of the delivery driver, and send an activation signal to one or more vehicle components to allow access to an area of the vehicle.

Abstract: This application describes techniques for providing computer vision for manual services. In some instances, a remote system may determine that a current time is within a threshold period of time of a scheduled service and, based on the determination, send a first message requesting image data to a camera apparatus located within an environment. After sending the first message, the remote system may receive image data associated with the environment from the camera apparatus and use the image to detect an object within the environment. The remote system can then send a second message to a device of a guest and a third message to a device of a user, where each of the second message and the third message indicates that the object is within the environment. In some instances, the object can include an animal while in some instances, the object can include a person.

Abstract: This application describes techniques for providing computer vision-based surveillance of in-home services. In some instances, a remote system may authenticate a guest at an environment using data that the remote system receives from a camera apparatus. To authenticate the guest, the remote system can determine that an identification of the guest matches an identification of a worker associated with a scheduled service at the environment. When the scheduled service includes an in-home delivery, the remote system can further determine that a package in possession of the guest matches an item for the scheduled in-home delivery. In some instances, after the guest enters the environment, the remote system can further monitor the environment to ensure that the guest stays within a designated location of the environment. The remote system can further send a message to an electronic device when the guest is outside of the designated location.

Abstract: Dumping stations for receiving articles and discharging the articles into a collection area are disclosed. Each dumping station includes a bin having pick and dump modes. In the pick mode, articles placed in the bin are retained, while in the dump mode, articles are deposited onto a central conveyor. The bin is biased, via gravity, toward the dump mode. A releasable latch is provided for retaining the bin in the pick mode. A processor is operably coupled to the latch and provides a release signal, whereby the latch releases the bin, thereby allowing the bin to switch to the dump mode. The bin may further include a status indicator for assisting a stock worker in identifying the bin in which to place articles.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring deliveries, the method and system include detecting an arrival of a delivery at an access point and notifying a monitoring center of the arrival of the delivery at the access point. The method and system include verifying at least one verification detail, which correlates to the delivery, and sending a configuration signal from the monitoring center to the access point, which has instructions for controlling an entrance at the access point. The method and system can further include sending a second configuration signal from the monitoring center to the access point, which has instructions for controlling an entrance at the access point upon completion of the delivery. The method and system can further include sending an indication signal from the monitoring center to the access point, which has instructions for controlling an indicator at the access point.

Abstract: A vending machine that can dispense an item at multiple price points is described. The vending machine dispenses one or more items, each ordinarily having a predetermined price. The vending machine receives a proof-of-purchase (POP) identifier, and has a processor configured to permit at least one of the items in the machine to be dispensed for less than the predetermined price if the POP identifier was received. A method for enticing a further sale at one or more vending machines is also described in which a random customer is provided with a POP identifier in response to a purchase from a first vending machine. The POP identifier is thereafter received at a second vending machine that ordinarily vends each of its items at respective predetermined prices. A particular item is vended from the second vending machine for less than its predetermined price in response to at least one predetermined criterion such as the receipt of the POP identifier.

Abstract: Refuse collecting and conveying apparatus for recycling various types of trash is provided which will separate and collect specific varieties of trash in exterior trash cans to be conveyed to a recycling plant.